With springtime now upon us and summer right around the corner, your child will be spending a lot of time under the sun — especially at camp. From playing games with friends to fun outdoor activities, there will be plenty for your child to indulge in as the summer heat comes by.

At Oasis, we focus on creating the most engaging and comfortable environment possible. But as temperatures slowly increase, it’s important to be mindful of your child’s wellbeing and how the sun can affect them during outdoor play.

Why gearing up for the summer is so important

According to the Almanac, New York is angling up for a hotter summer than usual. As your child will spend most of their time in the summer heat, being aware of the potentially harmful effects the sun may have on them is imperative.

From developing heat rash, sunburn, and getting dehydrated, such ailments are possible, but can be prevented by taking the proper precaution. Here’s what you need to know in preparing your child for camp and summer heat.

Stay hydrated.

As your child remains active under the summer heat, they’ll undoubtedly be sweating plenty. Making sure your child drinks enough water is crucial in combating sweat-induced dehydration. With the onset of dehydration, your child may experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and general discomfort.

According to Healthline, drinking water helps in regulating your body temperature, lubricating your joints, and circulating your blood. Making sure your child’s health is in order for physical activity starts with drinking water — and maintaining healthy drinking habits.

As a camp parent, you can help instill good drinking habits in your child. Set an example by having all members of your family carry personal water bottles that can be refilled throughout the day. You can even add fresh fruit to your child’s water for added flavor and health benefits!

Be mindful of heat-related ailments.

Before venturing out into the summer heat, being aware of heat-related ailments can further protect your child in the long-term. Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, both of which the sun emanates, can be harmful to not only your skin, but also your child’s.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA rays have been tied to skin aging, while UVB rays have been linked to skin burning. Protect your child by having them use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. The higher the count, the more protection offered. It is not recommended that you go below SPF 15, however. Choosing a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection is also encouraged, as it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunglasses that offer protection against UV rays are also recommended.

Dress appropriately.

Excessive physical activity can also leave your sweat pores clogged, leading to heat rash. This can be prevented simply by dressing appropriately. Check the weather forecast at the top of the morning before sending your child out to play.

You’ll want your child to be wearing loose-fitting clothing. Short sleeves, tank tops, and shorts are often recommended, as they don’t restrict your child’s sweat ducts from operating properly. Avoid thick sweaters, sweatpants, and clothes that generally could restrict your child’s airflow and lead to excessive perspiration, which can also have dehydrating effects.

Clothes that also offer a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) are also encouraged. REI says that clothes that are darker, more densely woven, and made of either polyester or nylon instead of natural fibers are the best for blocking out harmful UV rays.

Preparing for the summer heat at Oasis.

At Oasis, we want you to feel at ease knowing that your child is comfortable and well-acclimated to our environment. With team sports, physical activities, an aquatics program, and in-depth arts and crafts, we provide a multifaceted environment for your child to learn, explore, and discover. As they’ll spend plenty of time outside, your preparation can help your children be well-equipped to tackle the summer heat! 

For more information, visit our website to learn more and contact us today!